Water-Wise Gardening Guide

Water...

every drop is precious!

Watering Habits

A water-wise landscape can be beautiful and it can help you save water too. Do you want to be a wiser water miser? You don’t have to pull out all your plants and start over. Lets begin by examining the way you water.

It may surprise you to learn that it is not necessary to water every day. In fact, watering 2-3 times per week may be enough. The key is to water deeply, allowing water to penetrate through the soil and reach plant roots. Your Irrigation System Turn on your sprinkler system and observe. Does it water your plants or the sidewalk? Does water flow into the gutter? If so, you are applying water faster than your soil can absorb it. Turn on your drip irrigation system and observe. Are the emitters clogged? Is water flowing out of the pipe where your emitter should be? Check your emitters weekly, use a filter, and use a pressure regulator on your system. Check Your Soil For lawns–after watering, take a screwdriver and probe it into the soil. If you can push it 6 inches deep, you have watered enough. If you can’t, set your timer to water longer . Then wait a few days and check it again. When the screwdriver can’t go in as deep, it is time to water. For trees and shrubs-after watering, the soil should be wet 2-3 feet deep. If you can easily dig with a shovel, you have watered enough. Trees and shrubs can go for weeks and sometimes months without adding water, if they are watered deeply enough. How Should I Water? Sprinkler irrigation may not provide enough water for established trees and shrubs. You can supplement by deep soaking with a garden hose on low for several hours. Check the soil several inches below the surface before you decide to water again.

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Water... every drop is precious!

Soil Types What’s My Soil Type? No matter your soil type, plants use the same amount of water. Sandy soils absorb water quickly but also dry out quickly. Loamy soils absorb and hold water well. Soils composed mostly of clay absorb water slowly and stay wet longer. Compacted soils have trouble absorbing water. Compost and Mulch Before planting, always add a 3-4” layer of compost. Till it to a depth of several inches. After planting, mulch around your plants with a 2-3” layer of ground, shredded bark, decomposed granite, or even gravel. The purpose of mulch is to help the soil hold it’s moisture. Replace the mulch as needed.

Did You Know?

Your lawn mower cutting height should be adjusted by season and grass type. Warm Season - 1” Cool Season - 2 1/2” In most cases, mushrooms in the lawn indicate the breakdown of organic material. This process is not harmful to your lawn. Simply rake them out as they appear. However, a circular pattern of mushrooms may indicate the presence of a fungus called a “fairy ring.”

Talk Lawn Q: Should I remove my lawn? A: A wisely watered lawn uses less water than an overwatered lawn. However, if you don’t use your lawn for pets or physical activity, consider removing all or part of it and planting water-wise plants or installing permeable surfaces like gravel and paving stones. Q: I’d like to have a small lawn, which variety should I choose? A: Warm season grass like Bermuda needs the least amount of water. Cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue need more water. All are good choices for our area. Most nurseries carry a “blend” of grasses which thrive in Modesto’s climate. Hard fescue is an alternative lawn and grows 4-6” tall. It does not need to be mowed but does not tolerate hot summers and may die back. However, hard fescue grows in shade and can be quite drought tolerant.

Aerate your soil and water properly to help reduce mushrooms.

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Lawn Fertilizing

My Lawn Looks Brown Even Though I Water Deeply In winter, warm season grasses go dormant. To green up a dormant, brown lawn, over seed it in late fall with an annual ryegrass In summer, dying patches of lawn may indicate faulty sprinklers or a layer of thatch. Thatch is a buildup of living and dead plant materials blocking water from reaching the soil. If you water for 20 minutes and water does not penetrate the soil, there is most likely a thatch problem. To reduce thatch, rent dethatch equipment from a nursery or garden center. Fertilizing Lawn If your lawn is green and healthy, there is no need to add fertilizer. If you choose to fertilize, the best time is in late fall. Fertilizing during warm temperatures may stress your lawn and/or add to the mowing frequency.

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Water... every drop is precious!

Plant Zones ZONE ZONE ZONE

1 2 3

A plant “zone” is an area where plants are grouped together with similar watering requirements. Here are some suggested zones: Zone 1 Lawn & Container Plants need water most frequently. Check garden soil and plants in pots with a screwdriver, especially during summer. Zone 2 Fruit Trees, Vegetables, Roses and other water-thirsty plants not listed as “water-wise” should be watered deeply. Sprinkler irrigation is often not enough during summer and late fall. These plants do not tolerate dry soil. Zone 3 Water-Wise Plants need deep water, but less frequently. Newly established water-wise plants should be treated like a new plant until after their first year. However, pay special attention to new trees, which take longer to establish and often need water during their second year. Set your watering system to water each zone differently. Experiment with time to see if plants are thriving. Try less water before you add more. Should I Only Plant California Natives? Not all California native plants are water-wise, in fact, some California natives need frequent water. The term “California Native” can be misleading. The best choice for Modesto landscapes is a mix of water-wise California native plants and water-wise Mediterranean plants. Look for plants or seeds marked Zone 9 or 10 at your local nursery to make sure they are suitable to our climate.

Did You Know?

During the warm months, 50% of your water bill may be from watering your landscape. Changing the way you water can help save money. More plants die from too much water than from not enough. Plants need air in the soil as much as they need water. Mulch can help conserve water by protecting the soil from drying out.

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Water-Wise Guide to pages 6-15 (C) =California Native California Poppy

Common & Botanical Name Features of Interest Cool Season Annuals - Plant in fall & early winter California Poppy (C) orange, red, yellow, cream colored flowers Escholzia californica Iceland Poppy white, yellow, pink, purple, red, orange flowers Papaver nudicale Nasturtium orange, red, yellow flowers Tropaoelum majus Pansy white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, bi-colored flowers Viola species Stock pink, white, red, purple flowers Matthiola incana Sweet William white, pink, purple, bi-colored flowers Dianthus barbatus

Height Width 8-18” 8-18” 10”-3’ 6-11” 1-2’ 1-2’ 6-11” 4-5” 8”-3’ 1’ 1-2’ 4-6”

Warm Season Annuals - Plant in spring & summer Black-Eyed Susan yellow, gold, red, bi-colored flowers Rudbeckia hirta Coreopsis yellow, brown, red, orange, bi-colored flowers Coreopsis tinctoria Cosmos pink, white, red, yellow, orange flowers Cosmos species Marigold (African) yellow, red, orange flowers Tagetes erecta Zinnia white, yellow, blue, pink, orange, pink, purple flowers Zinnia elegans

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10”-3’ 11-18” 8”-2’ 8”-2 1/2’ 1-7’ 1-2’ 18”-3’ 1’ 1-4’ 1-4’

Water... every drop is precious!

Plants for Modesto

Remarks Fall annuals generally live from October-May, while spring annuals live from late March until November frost. Plant in full sun in fall. Seedling plants often available in spring. Flowers early spring then dies back with summer heat. Usually returns the following year. Plant in full sun. Plant seeds or seedlings in fall. Flowers late fall through spring. Plant in partial shade. Plant seeds or seedlings in fall or spring. Flowers almost continually when replaced each fall or spring. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Plant seeds or seedlings in fall. Flowers fall through spring. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Plant seeds or seedlings in fall. Flowers fall through spring. Plant in partial shade. Plant seeds or seedlings in fall or spring. Flowers in fall & spring.

Plant in full sun. Plant seeds or seedlings in spring. Flowers in summer. Native to Eastern U.S. Plant in full sun. Plant from seed in spring or seedlings in spring or summer. Flowers in summer. Reseeds itself each year. Plant in full sun. Plant from seed in spring or seedling in spring or summer. Flowers summer through frost. Has a tendency to reseed itself. Plant in full sun. Plant from seed in spring or seedlings in spring or summer. Flowers early summer through frost. Plant in full sun. Plant from seed in spring or seedling in spring or summer. Flowers summer through fall.

Marigold

Pansy

Zinnia

Cosmos

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Water-Wise Guide to pages 6-15 (C) =California Native Wisteria

Common & Botanical Name Ground Covers - Plant year round

Features of Interest

Bearberry (C) white, bell-shaped flowers Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Mock Strawberry small yellow flowers, red fruit Duchesnea indica Santa Barbara Daisy small white, lavender or pink flowers Erigeron karvinskianus

Height Width 6-8” 8-18” 3-4” 1’ 10-20” 2-3’

Ornamental Grasses - Plant year round Deer Grass (C) yellow, pink or purplish plumes Muhlenbergia rigens Pink Muhly Grass pink plumes Muhlenbergia capillaris Giant Feather Grass yellow plumes Stipa gigantea

4’ 4’ 2-6’ 1-5’ 2-3’ 3-4’

Vines - Plant year round Carolina Jessamine fragrant yellow flowers Gelsemum sempervirens Lilac Vine lilac, pink or white pea shaped flowers Hardenbergia violacea Wisteria fragrant white or purple flowers Wisteria sinensis

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20’ 10-15’ 9-10’ 6-8’ 20-30’ 20-30’

Water... every drop is precious!

Plants for Modesto

Remarks Groundcovers are great for greening up large areas Plant in full sun. Flowers late winter to early spring. Evergreen plant grows slowly. Mulch between plants to prevent weeds. Plant in full sun, partial or full shade. Flowers in spring. Evergreen doesn’t tolerate foot traffic. Aggresive if over-watered. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Cut back perennial plant after flowering for quick re-bloom. Does not tolerate foot traffic. Keep contained or it can be aggressive.

Give all grasses a “haircut” in early spring Plant in full sun or partial shade. Bright green grass forms clumps that get 2’ taller when they “bloom.” Goes dormant in winter. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Dies back in winter. Plant in full sun. Plumes add an additional 2-3’ in height. Semi-evergreen, may go dormant in winter.

Vines need yearly pruning in spring, after March 30th Plant in full sun or partial shade. Flowers spring through summer. Evergreen. Does not damage houses or fences. Plant in partial shade. Flowers for just a few weeks during early spring. Evergreen. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Flowers in spring. Goes dormant in winter. Wisteria grows quickly and should be trained it’s first year and carefully pruned every year.

Santa Barbara Daisy

Pink Muhly Grass

Bearberry

Deer Grass

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Water-Wise Guide to pages 6-15 (C) =California Native Blue Mist Spirea

Common & Botanical Name Perennials & Herbs - Plant year round

Features of Interest

Blue Mist Spirea blue flowers Caryopteris x clandodensis Bergenia pink flowers Bergenia crassifolia California fuchsia(C) orange to red trumpet-shaped flowers Zauschenaria californica Dusty Miller powdery gray leaves, yellow flowers Senecio cineraria Germander purple or blue flower spikes Teucrium chamaedrys Heuchera colorful flower spikes Hybrids Lamb’s Ears soft, silvery green leaves Stachys byzantina Lavender purple, pink, white flowers Lavandula species Marjorum tiny white or pink flowers Origanum marjorana Rosemary blue, purple, pink or white flowers Rosmarinus species Salvia red, purple, blue, pink, white flowers Salvia species Penstemon spiky flowers in many colors Penstemon species Purple Coneflower purple or white flowers Echinacea species

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Height Width 2’ 2’ 2-3’ 1’ 6”-4’ 3-4’ 2-3’ 2-3’ 6-11” 6-9” 1-3’ 1-2’ 1-2’ 1-3’ 1-2’ 1-3’ 1-2’ 1-2’ varies varies 2-4’ 1-2’ 2-4’ 1-3’

Water... every drop is precious!

Plants for Modesto

Remarks Prune after March 30th to avoid early frost damage Plant in full sun. Flowers late summer through fall. Goes dormant in winter. Plant in partial shade to full shade. Flowers in winter and spring. Evergreen. Plant in full sun. Flowers summer through fall. Evergreen. Plant in full sun. Flowers most of the year. Great border plant, shear back when it gets rangy. Evergreen. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Flowers mid summer through early fall. Can be sheared into a nice hedge. Evergreen. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Flowers mid-summer through frost, spikes can be cut off. Divide clumps when plant appears rangy. Evergreen. Plant in full sun. Flowers in spring. Evergreen. Plant in full sun. Flowers in spring. Creeps along ground like a ground cover. May go dormant in winter. Plant in full sun. Flowers in spring. Evergreen. Can be used as a groundcover, small or large shrub. Plant in partial sun to full shade. Flowers in spring. Great under oak trees. Evergreen. Plant in full sun. Choose drought tolerant species like S. apiana, S. clevelandii, S. officinalsi, S. nemorosa, S. “Bee’s Bliss”. These species are also non-invasive, unlike some Salvias which shouldn’t be planted near waterways or meadows. Goes dormant in winter.

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Flowers spring through fall. Short-lived (3-4 years). Evergreen. Plant in full sun. Flowers spring through frost. Divide clumps after 3-4 years. Native to central and eastern North America.

Dusty Miller

Purple Coneflower

Rosemary

Lamb’s Ears

Bergenia

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Water-Wise Guide to pages 6-15 (C) =California Native Euryops

Common & Botanical Name Shrubs - Plant year round

Features of Interest

Buckwheat (C) pale flowers Eriogonum species Euryops bright yellow daisy-like flowers Euryops pectinatus Indian Hawthorne pink flowers, blue berries Raphiolepis indica Manzanita (C) whitish pink bell-shaped flowers Arctostaphylos densiflorus, ‘Howard McMinn’ Nandina foliage changes color in fall, red berries Nandina domestica Olive silvery green foliage Olea europaea, ‘Little Ollie’ Oregon Grape blue-black fruit Mahonia aquifolium Rockrose white, pink or purple flowers Cistus species Spirea numerous tiny white flowers Spirea vanhouttei Texas Ranger silvery gray foliage, pink or white flowers Leucophyllum frutescens Valley Violet purple flowers Ceanothus maritimus

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Height Width 5-6’ 5-6’ 3-6’ 3-6’ 4-5’ 5-6’ 5-6’ 6-7’ 3-6’ 3-4’ 4-8’ 4-8’ 5-6’ 4-5’ 2-6’ 4-8’ 5-6’ 7-8’ 5-7’ 5-7’ varies

Water... every drop is precious!

Plants for Modesto

Remarks Shrubs help define a landscape Plant in full sun. Flowers in summer. Prune to retain shape. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Evergreen. Plant in full sun. Flowers year-round. Remove dead flowers for longer bloom. Prune for shape in early spring. Evergreen Plant in full sun or partial shade. Flowers in fall and spring followed by berries. Evergreen. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Flowers in spring. Prune for size and shape in early spring. Evergreen. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Prune for size and shape in early spring. Semi-evergreen. Plant in full sun. Has tiny flowers and should not bear much fruit. Evergreen. Plant in partial shade. Flowers in spring followed by berries. In fall, foliage turns color. Evergreen. Plant in full sun Flowers spring through summer. Evergreen. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Flowers mid to late spring. Loses leaves in fall. Prune after March 30th. Plant in full sun. Flowers in spring and summer. Prune straggly plants for shape. Prune after March 30th. Loses leaves in fall. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Blooms in spring. Evergreen.

Lightly prune evergreen varieties in late spring and summer.

Texas Ranger

Spirea

Indian Hawthorne

Nandina

Rockrose

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Water-Wise Guide to pages 6-15 (C) =California Native Crape Myrtle

Common & Botanical Name Trees - Plant year round

Features of Interest

Australian Tea Tree white, pink or red flowers Leptospermum laevigatum Australian Willow willowy foliage, inconspicuous flowers Gejera parviflora California Fan Palm (C) tall tree with attractive leaves Washingtonia filifera Chinese Pistache female trees have red berries that turn black Pistacia chinensis Crape Myrtle pink, purple or white flowers Lagerstroemia indica Desert Willow (C) pink, purple, rose, or white flowers Chilopsis linearis Holly Oak oval, 11/2” brownish gray acorns Quercus ilex Olive Tree fruitless varieties best Olea europaea Silver Dollar Eucalyptus interesting seed capsules Eucalyptus cinerea Strawberry Tree attractive red fruit, dark brown bark Arbutus unedo 10-30’ Sweet Bay small yellow flower clusters, purple fruit Laurus nobilis Western Redbud (C) sweet pea-like purple flowers Cercis occidentalis

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Height Width 10-30’ 10-30’ 25-30’ 15-20’ 50-60’ 15-20’ 30-50’ 30-50’ 20-25’ 20-25’ 15-30’ 10-20’ 30-60’ 30-60’ 25-30’ 25-30’ 20-50’ 20-40’ 10-30’ 15-40’ 15-40’ 10-18’ 10-18’

Water... every drop is precious!

Plants for Modesto

Remarks Plant trees in full sun. Prune to keep at desired height Evergreen tree needs minimal pruning. Spring blooming flowers are “show-stopping.” Evergreen tree grows slowly. Resembles weeping willow but has non-invasive roots. Evergreen palm best used on large property. Trunk can reach up to 2’ in diameter. Leaves turn color before dropping in fall. Slow to moderate grower. Has well-behaved roots. Colorful blooms in spring and summer. Leaves turn color before dropping in fall. Choose varieties resistant to powdery mildew. Flowers in spring. Willow-like in appearance. Grows quickly when young. Loses leaves in fall. Evergreen tree has moderate growth rate. Makes an excellent lawn or street tree. Well-behaved roots. Evergreen tree is drought tolerant. ‘Majestic Beauty’ bears almost no fruit. ‘Bonita’ does bear tiny fruit. Evergreen tree grows quickly. Young foliage has round leaves, mature foliage is slender. Evergreen tree has slow to moderate growth rate. Makes an excellent lawn tree. Evergreen tree can be planted in partial shade or full sun. ‘Saratoga’ is an excellent cultivar. Flowers in spring. Heart-shaped leaves are bluish-green. Usually grown as a multi-trunk tree. Loses leaves in fall.

Western Redbud

CA Fan Palm

Chinese Pistache

Desert Willow

Holly Oak

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For more information on water-wise plants, contact the City of Modesto Water Conservation Program at: (209) 342-2246 or visit us online at: www.modestogov.com/savewater